HOw can I tell if my arm numbness is caused by poor circulation, or a nerve issue?

While working on the computer, I noticed that my left arm was numb. At first I thought it was asleep, from leaning on it, but I shook it out, changed position, etc.And no change. The numbness is only partial though, along the "elbow Side" of my arm, and down the outside of my hand (pinky finger side).

I have noticed this same type of numbness before, but it has never lasted this long, and frankly, I am trying not to panic over stroke and heart attack warning signs. And afraid that any other symptoms I may notice are psychosomatic (sp? )I do have very low blood pressure, but I would have thought that if that was the cause it would affect more than just my left arm.

Asked by DJ1974 37 months ago Similar questions: arm numbness caused poor circulation nerve issue Health.

Similar questions: arm numbness caused poor circulation nerve issue.

You should see a physician to help you figure this out. Strictly speaking, if you are asking the question, you probably to not have the expertise to conficently answer it. Many physicians will even refer a question like this out to a specialist.

With that said, there are some things to look out for. If it is a vascular problem: You should see delayed capillary refill. If you squeeze the fingertip of your left arm, you should find that the skin blanches (turns more white).

This happens because you effectively squeeze the blood out of your finger. Typically when you release the finger, blood returns to the finger rather quickly leading the finger to return to its normal color. If you have a vascular deficiency, then it will take longer for the blood to return.

One best way to determine this would be to compare the response of this blanching in the fingers of your left and right hands. The problem here is that if your vascular problem is bilateral (effecting both arms), then this test will tell you nothing unless you have enough clinical experience to know how long is too long to wait for the blood to return into your fingers. You can also check your radial pulse bilaterally and if it is more prominent (the pulsing is stronger) on the right side then that might mean you have a vascular problem on your left - again if there is a bilateral problem, then this is not helpful.

If it is a nerve problem: There are a numerous different nerve entrapment syndromes that can occur at the level of the elbow and forearms. These syndromes include pronator syndrome, lateral antebrachial cutaneous nerve entrapment syndrome, radial tunnel syndrome, high radial nerve palsy, and ulnar nerve entrapment at the elbow or the forearm. Feel free to look these terms up online for more information (in general, I would recommend against using Wikipedia - try WebMD, or Emedicine).

The symptoms you describe sound typical of the last condition listed - ulnar nerve entrapment syndrome. Here is a description of this syndrome. Ulnar neuropathy at the elbow is the second most common compression neuropathy affecting the upper extremities.In mild cases, symptoms include sensory loss and paresthesias over digits 4 and 5 (ring finger and pinky).

In more severe cases, weakness of the interosseous muscles of the hand becomes apparent and the person may complain of worsened grip and clumsiness. Pain in the region of the elbow also is common, although not universal. Involvement of ulnar innervated forearm muscles (muscles on the back of your forearm) leads to weakness in finger and wrist flexion.

A prominent Tinel’s sign (pain with tapping over the nerve) in the region of the elbow also may be present. Ulnar neuropathy at the elbow can be broken down into two distinct sites of compression. The most common location is the nerve at the epicondylar groove (funny bone area).

This specific problem is often caused by unknowing compression of the nerve by leaning on the elbows while at a desk or table. Repeated popping off the nerve out of its home/groove in the elbow when the elbow is bent can cause this as well. Squeezing of the nerve as it enters the cubital tunnel (an area in the forearm) is the next most common site.

The cubital tunnel consists of the two muscle groups and some tissue near it that can squeeze the nerve under the right conditions. In some individuals, this tunnel is small and squeezing of the nerve occurs with repeated bending of the elbow.In this picture the blue area of the hand is the area that will become numb in the event of an ulnar nerve problem. Diagnosis: Electrodiagnosis of ulnar neuropathy at the elbow is the preferred method of diagnosis.

Essentially this diagnostic test involves putting a needle in the muscle, then sending some electricity through the needle to test how long it takes an electrical signal to get through. Some doctors have moved to the use of high resolution sonography to detect ulnar nerve thickening at the elbow and thereby improve their diagnostic accuracy. Treatment: Treatment for ulnar neuropathy at the elbow often leads to incomplete or unsatisfactory results.

Providing a soft, foam elbow pad to help prevent inadvertent trauma to the elbow is often done and can be a helpful, low cost option. Splinting, local steroid injection, and only doing nighttime splinting (at 60 degrees) have been studied with some success as well. Surgical treatment for ulnar neuropathy is another option for people with more severe problems, especially those that are chronic and not responding to the treatments mentioned above.

There is more than one option here with varying levels of scientific support. Caution: Symptoms of a vascular problem can look like it is a nerve problem and symptoms of a nerve problem can look like it is a vascular problem. That is why there are diagnostic tests such as angiograms, and electrodiagnosis because even physicians know that diagnosing these syndromes can be tricky.

With this information in hand, you would be wise to see your physician for an appropriate diagnosis and treatment of your symptoms. Sources: professional experience, numerous lectures, medical text AlaskaDO's Recommendations Essential Clinical Anatomy (Moore, Essential Clinical Anatomy) Amazon List Price: $64.95 Average Customer Rating: 4.0 out of 5 (based on 17 reviews) Clinical Anatomy Made Ridiculously Simple (Medmaster) Amazon List Price: $29.95 Used from: $17.00 Average Customer Rating: 4.0 out of 5 (based on 20 reviews) Video Brief ulnar nerve video (CGI).

1 only a Dr. can tell you that. Please consult with one .

Only a Dr. can tell you that. Please consult with one.

2 Call a doc..but I have on my left side two fingers that perpetually feel like they are asleep. My doc said it was nerve damage. You can tell if you have good circulation in your hand by gently pushing down on your fingernail by the edge.

See how it goes white and then back to pinkish? That's decent circulation. However, I AM NOT A DOCTOR...just relating to you my issue and how it MIGHT corelate to you.

Call a doc..but I have on my left side two fingers that perpetually feel like they are asleep. My doc said it was nerve damage. You can tell if you have good circulation in your hand by gently pushing down on your fingernail by the edge.

See how it goes white and then back to pinkish? That's decent circulation. However, I AM NOT A DOCTOR...just relating to you my issue and how it MIGHT corelate to you.

3 I also have had a numbing effect in my fingers and hand since I got my computer. It happened about 3 months after we got it, and one night the last 3 fingers of my right hand got pins and needles and then went numb. It lasted for about a month, but got gradually better, and now it's perfectly fine.

I didn't go to the doctor. I hate going, and will do almost anything to avoid it! .

I also have had a numbing effect in my fingers and hand since I got my computer. It happened about 3 months after we got it, and one night the last 3 fingers of my right hand got pins and needles and then went numb. It lasted for about a month, but got gradually better, and now it's perfectly fine.

I didn't go to the doctor. I hate going, and will do almost anything to avoid it!

4 Don't listen to Kar. It's probably carpal tunnel syndrome, but only a doctor can tell you for sure. This user has been banned from Askville.

4 Don't listen to Kar. It's probably carpal tunnel syndrome, but only a doctor can tell you for sure.

Don't listen to Kar. It's probably carpal tunnel syndrome, but only a doctor can tell you for sure.

" "i wake up sometimes w numbness on the right side of my head towards the back and numbness in my whole left arm." "I have had a series of dizzy spells, arm numbness, and partial face numbness. I am only 21 and I find myself drifting of" "HOW DO YOU STOP THE NUMBNESS IN YOUR LEFT ARM?

I wake up sometimes w numbness on the right side of my head towards the back and numbness in my whole left arm.

I have had a series of dizzy spells, arm numbness, and partial face numbness. I am only 21 and I find myself drifting of.

I cant really gove you an answer,but what I can give you is a way to a solution, that is you have to find the anglde that you relate to or peaks your interest. A good paper is one that people get drawn into because it reaches them ln some way.As for me WW11 to me, I think of the holocaust and the effect it had on the survivors, their families and those who stood by and did nothing until it was too late.